Downstairs, Elizabeth and Regina were waiting near the grand doors, coats in hand and shoes clicking lightly against the marble floor.
Regina looked up as Ruby approached. "That was brilliant," she whispered with a proud smile. "Absolutely brilliant."
Elizabeth gave a rare nod of approval. "He's beginning to believe. But don't let your guard down. He's smart. If anything feels off, he'll notice."
Ruby exhaled, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "It's not easy… being someone I'm not."
"It was never going to be," Elizabeth said coolly. "But you've managed better than we could have hoped. Just treat him better, the way you would a lover. Only difference is, you'd have to break up in a year so put that at the back of your mind."
